Tips For NRIs To Apply PAN Card In India Online

A PAN Card (Permanent Account Number) is a 10-digit unique identification number. The Income Tax Department of India issues this number, which serves as identity proof for individuals and entities. The PAN card records all the tax-related and other important information about the holder.

For NRIs, a PAN card is a non-negotiable document for financial transactions in India, such as repaying loans, purchasing goods, investing in stocks, opening NRE/NRO bank accounts, and so on.

However, there are a few tips that NRIs must consider while applying for a PAN card in India from abroad.

Tips for Applying for a PAN Card For NRIs

The following are tips NRIs should consider before applying for a PAN card in India.

Choose The Right Form - Form 49A vs Form 49AA Confusion

Alright, so there has been significant confusion about which PAN card form NRIs must choose: Form 49A or Form 49AA? Many sources suggest that Form 49A is for Indian residents and NRIs, whereas foreign nationals must file Form 49AA.

Well, let us clear this confusion once and for all.

A PAN card is required for all individuals and entities earning any income in India. All Indian citizens, including NRIs (with Indian citizenship), entities registered in India, and any other unregistered company formed in India, must fill out Form 49A to apply for a PAN card in India.

Form 49AA is for all foreign residents liable to pay taxes in India, such as Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and entities registered or incorporated outside India but operating in India.

Make Application Only Via Authorized Websites

When applying for a passport in India, please ensure you use only government-authorized websites.

An NRI PAN Card application can be made online through:

• Protean eGov Technologies (previously known as NSDL).
• UTI Infrastructure Technologies and Services Limited ( UTIITSL)
• Income Tax Department e-filing Portal; (using an Aadhaar number, you can apply for a PAN card here and can also get an instant e-PAN, which is the digital version of a physical PAN card for free).

Please avoid using any other third-party or unofficial website, as they might be unauthorized or incur unnecessary fees. However, it is best to seek professional help before you apply PAN Card for NRIs.

Use the Right PAN Card Documents For NRIs

One of the most common reasons for NRI PAN card application rejection is not submitting the right documents. As an NRI, when you are applying for a PAN card, you need to provide documents that validate your residential status as an NRI.

Following is a list of NRI PAN card documents you need to apply for PAN online, so that you don't end up on the rejected PAN card list. Just ensure that each document is clear, readable, and probably scanned.

• Along with the PAN application form, NRIs must submit a copy of their passport as proof of identity.
• Copy of bank account statement, either the one in the country of residence or a copy of NRE bank account statements showing at least two active transactions in the last six months. The copies must be duly attested by the Indian Embassy/Consular office,/High Commission, or Apostille. It can also be attested by the bank manager holding the NRE account.

Use The Right Category - Foreign Citizen or NRI

Ensure you select the correct category when filling out your application form.

• If you hold an Indian passport, you must select "Indian Citizen residing outside India."
• Select "Foreign Citizen" if you hold a foreign passport along with an OCI or PIO.

Variation In NRI PAN Fee Payments

Many NRIs often have confusion about fee variations. Let's clear this up.

According to the Indian Income Tax Department, the fees for an NRI PAN card application depend on the communication address provided by the NRI.

If the communication address provided is within India, the processing fee for a PAN Card is Rs 107.

If the communication address provided is outside India, the processing fee for a PAN card is Rs 994. This includes both application fees and the dispatch charges.

NRI PAN Card Application Form Signature Must Be Proper

Another main reason for rejection of the NRI PAN application is an inconsistent or incorrect signature placement on the application form.

NRIs must ensure to:

• Sign the PAN application Form with black ink.
• Signature must be across the photograph on the left side of the form.
• Keep the style of your signature consistent throughout all the platforms.
• Do not cross the signature out of the boundary box.

Keep Track Of Your Application

NRIs, it is advisable to keep track of your PAN card application to stay updated.

Both NSDL and UTITSL allow you to track your PAN card application.

To track your PAN card status, use the acknowledgment you received after submitting your application form.

Steps to Track PAN Status:

• Go to the official tracking page of the portal you have used to apply for the PAN card.
• Enter the acknowledgment number there.
• Click on "Submit" to view the status.

The Bottom Line

Having an NRI PAN Card is essential if you want to get involved in financial activities in India. Whether you are an investment seeker, filing for an income tax return, earning rental income, or opening an NRI bank account, a PAN card is necessary, as it simplifies tax compliance for its holder.

As aforementioned, these are a few tips for NRIs to keep in mind while applying for their NRI PAN card to minimize errors during the process. However, if you still need professional guidance to apply for your PAN card, Savetaxs is the name to trust.

Our experts here have been helping NRIs from over 90+ countries with their PAN card application in India. We provide end-to-end assistance from the start, ensuring smooth compliance and easy cross-border money management.

Connect with us as we serve our clients 24/7 across all time zones.